Rhodes: Symi Yacht Tour with Unlimited Drinks and Transfer

Symi is the star here, but the small yacht makes the trip feel far more personal than a standard island ferry outing. You get about two hours in Symi Town, then swim in St. George Bay while lunch is served on board, followed by another stop at quiet Seskli Island. I like the generous drink service and the warm, attentive crew, with staff such as Anna, Antonio, and Emily often singled out for their care. The main caution is the sea crossing: the fast ride can be windy, wet, and rocky, especially at the front of the boat.

I also like that the day gives you both land and sea time. You can stroll Symi’s lanes, then snorkel, sunbathe, and eat moussaka in a sheltered bay. The boat has a maximum of 25 passengers, though it may feel fuller on a fully booked departure, and getting into the water can be awkward for anyone with limited mobility.

Key points at a glance

• Two hours in Symi Yalos: Enough time for harbor views, narrow lanes, small shops, and a taste of the Old Town.
• Lunch at St. George Bay: Greek salad and moussaka are served while you swim and relax in a striking cove.
• Two swimming stops: St. George Bay offers the most dramatic setting, while Seskli brings a quieter, wilder feel.
• Unlimited drinks included: Water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are available through the day.
• Small-group yacht: The 25-person limit gives you more room than the large boats that run similar routes.
• Bring a cover-up and towel: The morning ride may be chilly, and towels are not supplied.

Why this Rhodes to Symi cruise costs $141

At about $141 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Symi. Large excursion boats and ordinary ferry services can cost less, so the price only makes sense if you value the yacht setting, meals, drinks, and smaller group.

Here, the fare includes a fast yacht cruise, full lunch, unlimited drinks, two swimming stops, and free time on Symi. That bundle matters. You are not paying separately for wine with lunch, bottled water, coffee, or a boat transfer to a second bay. The crew also keeps the day moving, so you do not need to arrange transport between the harbor and swimming spots.

I would call it a good value for a full day at sea, especially if you want a social outing with plenty of swimming. It is less compelling if your main goal is a long, independent visit to Symi. Two hours in town gives you a useful introduction, but not enough time for a slow island tour or a serious shopping session.

The smaller boat is the biggest difference from cheaper options. With no more than 25 people, you have a better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit and moving around without feeling packed in. A fully booked sailing can still feel busy, and one past departure had a broken sofa area, so this is a practical advantage rather than a promise of boutique perfection.

Boarding in Mandraki and the ride from Rhodes

The trip begins at Mandraki Port, Rhodes Town’s historic harbor. Check-in starts with coffee, tea, or water, giving you a calm few minutes to settle before the yacht heads toward Symi.

The crossing takes roughly an hour and 20 minutes in conditions described by one passenger. It can be smooth, but the boat is fast and exposed to the open sea. The front cushions are a fun place for panoramic views, though the crew warns that they can be rocky and full of spray. If you are prone to motion sickness, take suitable medication before departure and choose a more sheltered seat.

Bring a light jacket or hoodie, even in warm months. The wind is noticeable in the morning, and October departures can feel particularly cool. A cover-up also helps after swimming, when the breeze can make you colder than expected.

The route gives you broad views of Rhodes’s eastern coast, including beaches, rocky coves, and stretches that are difficult to see from land. The boat ride is part of the appeal, but it is not passive sightseeing. You will feel the speed, the wind, and sometimes the chop.

Transportation details need a little care. Hotel pickup is listed as available, with instructions to wait outside the main entrance at least five minutes before the scheduled time. However, transport from at least some hotels in Faliraki was not provided on one departure. Confirm the pickup point and coverage for your hotel before paying, and allow enough time to reach Mandraki if you are making your own way there.

Arriving in Symi Yalos

The yacht approaches Symi Yalos, the island’s main port, by water. This is the visual payoff of the crossing. Hills rise behind the harbor, covered with rows of colorful neoclassical houses that give Symi its distinctive appearance.

You have about two hours to explore. That is a sensible amount of time for a first look. Start along the waterfront, then wander into the small alleys and uphill streets. Local shops, harbor cafés, and views back toward the boats fill the visit without requiring a rigid plan.

The Old Town is described as UNESCO-protected in the tour information, and its appeal is easy to understand: the houses, stairways, and steep setting create a very different feel from the resort areas of Rhodes. You can take photographs, browse shops, stop for a drink, or simply sit near the fishing port and watch the harbor.

Two hours will not let you see every corner. The energetic members of your group may walk uphill for wider views, while you can stay near the waterfront for breakfast, a relaxed stroll, and a few shops. This is a place where the harbor itself does much of the work.

Symi is not presented as a long guided walking tour, so you should expect independent free time rather than a detailed lecture at every turn. That suits people who like to set their own pace. If you want museums, extensive historical interpretation, or a full island tour, this outing will feel brief.

Lunch and swimming at St. George Bay

After Symi Town, the yacht continues to St. George Bay, one of the strongest parts of the day. The cove is sheltered by steep rock, with a golden beach and clear water beneath a dramatic overhang.

This is where the schedule works well. You can swim before lunch, then return to the boat for Greek food, or eat first and swim afterward. Lunch typically includes moussaka and Greek salad, and the food is served on board while the yacht is anchored in the bay. Dietary needs have been accommodated on some departures, but you should provide those details when booking rather than assuming every request can be handled.

The unlimited drinks are useful here, not just a marketing extra. Water is important after swimming, while beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea let you choose between a leisurely lunch and a simple nonalcoholic option. The crew keeps drinks coming throughout the day, which saves you from buying refreshments at every stop.

For swimming, the yacht provides or makes available snorkels, goggles, life jackets, foam noodles, and floats. The boat has a platform close to water level and a ramp or access point, though one person found getting off the yacht into the sea difficult. If you are not a confident swimmer, use a life jacket or noodle and ask the crew for help.

The water around St. George Bay has been a highlight for many people, particularly for snorkeling with fish. You can also stay dry and sunbathe on board. The choice matters because the stop is long enough to feel unhurried, rather than a quick five-minute photo pause.

Seskli Island and the second swim

The third stop is Seskli, a small private island described as a quiet jewel of the Dodecanese. It offers a change of mood after Symi’s harbor and St. George Bay’s towering rock walls.

Here, you can snorkel, swim, and look across a more untouched setting. The island’s wild character is part of the attraction. One practical detail is that Seskli may feel less dramatic than St. George Bay, so do not expect both swim stops to offer the same scenery. The reward is variety: one cove for a memorable setting, one small island for open space and a slower final swim.

Some details from the water make this stop fun for curious swimmers, including shells and a small island church. The tour does not promise a guided nature walk, so your time is mainly for swimming and taking in the surroundings from the yacht.

If you prefer sightseeing from the deck, this is still a worthwhile stop. The boat’s position gives you a different view of the coast, and the crew continues serving drinks. You can treat it as a quiet pause before the return journey rather than another major attraction to check off.

Crew service and the feel on board

The crew is one of the tour’s clearest strengths. Staff members are described as warm, attentive, funny, and quick to help. Anna, Antonio, and Emily are among the names associated with particularly personal service.

Small gestures have made a difference, including birthday cake, a pastry, and a cocktail for honeymoon celebrations. Those touches cannot be guaranteed, but they show the kind of friendly atmosphere the company aims to create. Solo passengers and couples can expect a social setting rather than a silent transfer.

The yacht is described as clean and comfortable, with a changing room on board. Snorkeling gear and flotation equipment add practical value. There is not always music, so do not book this expecting a party boat with a constant soundtrack. One past passenger suggested bringing a speaker, but use it considerately around other people.

The boat’s condition has not been perfect on every sailing. A broken sofa was reported, and another person felt the boat was too full. These are isolated concerns against a very strong overall record, but they are worth keeping in mind if you expect a spotless, private charter.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this tour if you want to see Symi without giving up a full day of swimming. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and anyone who prefers a smaller boat to a large excursion vessel.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want lunch and drinks included rather than buying them separately.
• You enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing as much as sightseeing.
• You like a friendly crew and a relaxed group atmosphere.
• You want two hours in Symi but do not need a full-day island exploration.
• You value more room and less crowding than a large boat usually provides.

I would look elsewhere if you need a quiet, private yacht, a long guided tour of Symi, or a guaranteed easy water entry. The fast crossing can be rough, and the front of the boat gets wet. The tour is also not ideal for anyone who cannot comfortably manage a step or ramp into the sea, despite the activity being listed as wheelchair accessible.

Practical packing advice for the eight-hour outing

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket. Towels are not included, although the yacht has a changing room. A hoodie is sensible for the first ride, especially outside the main summer months.

Wear footwear that is easy to remove for swimming. Keep valuables secure and bring only what you need for the boat and Symi’s streets. If you plan to snorkel, equipment is available, but bringing your own mask can improve comfort and fit.

For seasickness, prepare before boarding rather than waiting for symptoms. Sit in a steadier part of the yacht instead of the front cushions if the sea is active. You can still enjoy the view without taking the full force of the spray.

The trip is conducted in English and includes a live English-speaking guide. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and the cruise is fully refundable if weather conditions force cancellation. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Rhodes plans may change.

Should you book the Symi yacht tour?

Book it if you want a well-filled day on the water with a beautiful island visit, two swim stops, Greek lunch, and drinks handled in one price. The strongest reasons to choose it are the 25-person limit, the excellent St. George Bay stop, and the crew’s personal service.

Skip it if you mainly want hours of independent time in Symi, dislike fast boat rides, or need a guaranteed gentle route into the sea. For most people who see Symi as one part of a wider Rhodes holiday, the $141 price is justified by the food, drinks, equipment, and smaller setting. Confirm hotel transport, bring a towel and warm layer, and choose a seat away from the bow if the sea is rough.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi yacht tour?

The excursion lasts about 8 hours, including the cruise from Rhodes, free time in Symi Town, two swimming stops, lunch, and the return to Mandraki Port.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the yacht cruise, full lunch, unlimited water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea, two swimming stops, and free time to explore Symi Town.

How much free time do I get in Symi Town?

You get approximately two hours in Symi Yalos, with time for the harbor, small alleys, local shops, and the Old Town.

Where are the swimming stops?

The swimming stops are at St. George Bay and Seskli Island. St. George Bay is also where lunch is served on board.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes. Snorkels and goggles are available, along with life jackets, foam noodles, and floats.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. A towel is not included, so bring your own. The yacht has a changing room.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is listed as available, with instructions to wait outside the main entrance of your hotel at least five minutes before the scheduled time. However, transport may not be available from every hotel, including some locations in Faliraki, so confirm this before departure.

What happens if the weather cancels the cruise?

If weather conditions force cancellation, the cruise is fully refundable. You can also cancel your own booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.